Trade continues to expand at an unprecedented pace under the WTO regime and is
a prime vehicle for development. Yet the gap between rich and poor countries continues to widen.
This paper aims to ascertain the true meaning and purpose of development in WTO law. It
demonstrates that despite constant mention of ‘development’ in several provisions, there is
vagueness or uncertainty in the use, meaning, and purpose of development in WTO law. It argues
that this definitional anomaly lends development or the pursuit of development objectives an uneasy
alliance with trade discipline, and thereby with its developing trading partners. It recommends an
appreciable definition of development from a trade perspective.